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NEA Director of Literature to Kick-Off the Big Read PDF Print E-mail

“Having David Kipen at our Kick-Off for The Big Read makes the occasion even more special for the community. Not only is he a national figure of considerable influence, he is also an unabashed cheerleader for books and reading,” says Gary Kramer, Public Information Officer for the Pioneer Library System and one of the organizers of The Big Read for PLS.

“He is a rock star in the world of literature. Meeting him is an opportunity no one should pass up,” Kramer says.

The Kick-off is also the first time that readers can enter The Bless Me, Ultima Ultimate Altima Give-Away sponsored by Bob Moore Auto Group as an incentive for participation in The Big Read. More than 80 events are already scheduled in communities throughout Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties. Each time readers participate in an event, they can enter their names in the drawing for a 2005 Nissan Altima which will be given away on May 5.

“I think I can say without fear of contradiction that no other community in the nation is celebrating The Big Read on this scale. The whole purpose of the project is to get people talking about literature and excited about reading; the Altima Give-Away certainly has people talking and excited,” says Kramer.

“This is exactly this kind of community participation and support that has brought national attention to this project,” he adds. In addition to meeting the public at The Big Read Kick-off, Kipen will also address the staff of the Pioneer Library System during a day-long training session at the Moore Norman Technology Center. PLS Training Coordinator Louise Whitaker says that having Kipen put local efforts into a national perspective will help staff realize and appreciate the importance of the hard work they put into a project like The Big Read. The Big Read is sponsored locally by Pioneer Library System, Bob Moore Auto Group, Oklahoma Humanities Council, Norman Arts Council, El Chico of Norman, The University of Oklahoma Honors College, World Literature Today, local Friends of the Public Library, and community supporters. For more information about The Big Read, pick up a special edition of WORD magazine available at any PLS hometown public library or log on to www.bigreadok.com .